Learning how to fly a plane: Getting a permit

[stinkynuts]

I've always wanted to fly. It would be so awesome taking up a girl on a flight above the city at night (just like in the Aviator).

I did some research, and the place that I looked into would take one year to obtain what's called a "recreational permit", which allows only one passenger. To upgrade to a license, you would need more training.

The program takes a year, and costs between five and ten thousand. Out of my budget for now.

Anyone have a license or permit to fly? How long did it take, and cost? Was it worth it. I'm worried about fucking up and crashing the plane, as I can barely drive. I think I'd shit my pants the first time I flew by myself. But still.... I'm intrigued.

 

[bebe]

To fly at night you have to be rated. Costs even more money and time. Stop hobbying and you can easily afford to fly.

 

[stinkynuts]

Hmm... That would be a big commitment then.

I got my info from here: http://training.torontoairways.com/ft-faqs.php

 

[C Dick]

You can get the training at Brampton airport, highway 10 North of Mayfield. I considered it, there are tons of stages, first small planes in daytime, then more training for instruments, night flying, twin engines, helicopters, jets, etc. I think $5,000 for the first stage, which allows you to fly on your own with a passenger.

You can buy old planes for $100,000, my thought was to buy one, get a license, and use it to fly to Montreal, Miami, Las Vegas, etc. But it turns out that a $100,000 plane is older than me, the slower than my car, and needs to be filled up every 90 minutes. A plane that could get to Vegas in a day is $500K+, so out of my price range.

 

[Danolo]

Go for it...

I never did get my Private Pilot's license, but my brother did and we had a couple of great flights together. He is a lawyer and was, at the time, working for the Crown in south Saskatchewan. And he was able to use his plane to fly into small communities and hold court.

I recall one flight we took from Regina to Winnipeg. We were in his little Cessna 172 and as we approached Winnipeg airport, the air traffic controller sequenced us in between a military jet of some sort and big jumbo jet.

I recall the extreme satisfaction he got from landing safely and correctly.

I'm too old and undisciplined to get my license now, but its always been one of those things that I regret not doing.

I say, "GO FOR IT!"

 

[ooh-ya-more]

It took me two years and $7000. to get my private pilots license. How fast you get it depends on how much money you have. I did mine once a week and didn't fly much during winter months. Go every day and your talking a few months. You need about 40 hours of flight time i believe. You can actually start flying before taking the ground school. Once you have your pilots license you can then get your night rating. I believe that is 15 hours of flight time. Burlington Airpark is where I got mine. You won't solo until the instructor is confident in your ability to handle the aircraft. Your first solo is amazing. It was after take off and starting on the downwind side of the circuit that my first thought was "cool I'm doing this solo". Then it was "oh..... I'm all by my self. I've gotta land this thing myself" Then as I approached my base leg before turning onto final, training kicks in and your busy flying the plane again.

GO FOR IT

 

[CapitalGuy]

A recreational license allows you to fly under VFR rules, in daytime only, with maximum one passenger, within (I think) 25km of your home airport. I could be out of date on the 25km thing. You need 25 hours minimum before you can test for your rec lic. So, for the night flight fantasy, you would need a private pilot license. That requires, I seem to recall, a minimum 35 hours training. Most pilots take 60-70 hours (I took 69 before I tested). But, a private license allows you to fly at night (if you take the night rating), float planes (if you take the float plane rating), IFR (if you take...), to the US, with more passengers, etc. For a private license, expect to pay $12-20 grand. Its really fun though. Good luck.

ps. spins suck. Worst part of the training. Enjoy!

 

[alexmst]

I've always wanted to fly. It would be so awesome taking up a girl on a flight above the city at night (just like in the Aviator).

I liked that scene in the movie as well - I think back then it was easier to joyride low over the city. Today they have air traffic control, can't land on lawns/golf courses, more congestion, etc.

When I was younger I wanted to learn how to fly a helicopter - I've been up in them a dozen times all over the world. Then I considered getting a pilot's license, but never got around to it. My life insurance policy I noticed has a clause that says it is invalid if policyholder is flying a plane. Since pilots must be able to get life insurance, I guess one needs a special policy with higher premiums if one is a private pilot?

Go for it - one day you can maybe take a SP up for a mile high adventure.

 

[tboy]

And don't forget there are physical restrictions too. I'm partially colour blind so that rules me out automatically. You might be the same but I'd get checked.

If you have the coin I'd go for it too. I always wanted to as well (and known a couple of guys who went on from private to commercial to airliners).

 

[justchecking]

I say go for it as well!

Hit up to Toronto Airways at Buttonville aiport and schedule for an introductory flight, costs about 89 plus taxes, give you around 30mins flight time. Of course, they also offer sightseeing flights too.

As most have already said, it takes alot of commitment and money as well. When i got my Private 2 years ago, it costs me around 15 grand. I took 2 six months break in between my training. You are better off to obtain a Private rather then recreational, since with recreational, you cannot carry passengers.

If you are into aviation, flying is the best and learning it make it even more fun! Of course, rules and regulations always applies, when flying.

Have fun! PM me if you have anymore questions!

 

[stinkynuts]

And don't forget there are physical restrictions too. I'm partially colour blind so that rules me out automatically. You might be the same but I'd get checked.

If you have the coin I'd go for it too. I always wanted to as well (and known a couple of guys who went on from private to commercial to airliners).

Are you sure? I'm partially colour blind as well (Can't see those damned numbers in those tests with the coloured spots).

Shit.

 

[papasmerf]

Are you sure? I'm partially colour blind as well (Can't see those damned numbers in those tests with the coloured spots).

Shit.

you also need un corrected vision to 20/40 if memory serves.